Rosie Sayle who is the licensee of the Sulby Glen
Hotel has spoken of the devastating effects the
foot-and-mouth crisis and the cancellation of road
racing has had on her business.
Rosie appeared before rent and rating appeal
commissioners on Wednesday to tell how she was
'fighting for survival'.

The sitting in Douglas heard how badly she'd been
affected by the scrapping of the TT, Southern 100 and
Manx Grand Prix due to the risk of foot-and-mouth
disease as well as restrictions which led to the
closure of the Wildlife Park at Ballaugh, the Claddagh
campsite and parts of the countryside.

She said she was in a 'desperate situation' and
claimed she had suffered from a 'substantial loss of
trade', but added she had not laid off any staff yet.
Mrs Sayle appealed against the amount of rates she had
to pay. 'I'm here asking for some assistance,' she
said.

The licensee has received compensation from the
government for empty beds during the TT fortnight, but
has not yet applied for another compensation scheme
which is aimed at businesses which can prove 'severe
and lasting damage'.
An emotional Mrs Sayle said: 'I am here fighting for
survival. That survival is personal, it involves my
family and my staff who are my friends.'

Chairman Norman Teare said the panel could amend the
rateable value of the premises.
No decision has been announced.